Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Giant Rat

Small · Beast · CR 1/8 · Unaligned

Source. 5e 2014 Rules

7 (2d6)

1/8

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR

-2

DEX

CON

INT

-4

WIS

CHA

-3

Overview

Category Monsters

Size Small

Type Beast

Alignment Unaligned

XP 25

Initiative Bonus +2

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)

Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)

Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)

Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Darkvision 60 ft (18.3 m)

Passive Perception 10

Environments

Caves Forest or Jungle Ruins Sewer Swamp or Marsh Underworld Urban

Traits

Keen Smell

The rat has advantage on Wisdom (Perception) checks that rely on smell.

Pack Tactics

The rat has advantage on an attack roll against a creature if at least one of the rat's allies is within 5 ft. of the creature and the ally isn't incapacitated.

Actions

Bite

Cost 1

+4 to hit, reach 5 ft (1.5 m). Hit: 1d4 thunder damage.

Melee Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d4 + 2) piercing damage.

About Giant Rat

Giant Rat is a small beast with a Challenge Rating of 1/8. It has a unaligned alignment.

In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 12 and possesses 7 hit points (derived from 2d6).

GM Tips: Using Giant Rat

1 tips available

When using Giant Rat in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

Pack Tactics Advantage: This creature has advantage on attack rolls when an ally is within 5 feet! Separate it from its pack or use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Player Guide: Facing Giant Rat

1 strategies available

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

Counter Pack Tactics: This creature has advantage when allies are nearby! Separate it from its pack. Use 'Fear' spells to scatter allies. Single-target encounters reduce its effectiveness.

Encounter Building Calculator

Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):

This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 1.

Solo Encounter:

A single character of level 2 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.

Experience Point Thresholds:

Medium: 14 XP
Hard: 21 XP
Deadly: 28 XP

Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the challenge rating of Giant Rat?: Giant Rat has a Challenge Rating of 1/8, making it appropriate for parties of level 0.125.
What type of creature is Giant Rat?: Giant Rat is a Small Beast, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.